1. Radiation

2. What is it?
Uses high energy particles and waves to damage or destroy cancer cells
Damages DNA directly or create free radicals to damage DNA

3. Uses Before surgery to shrink size of tumor
Used for rectal cancers (lowers risk for returning cancers)
After surgery to kill cells left behind

4. Chemoradiation Used with chemotherapy
Kills more cancer cells, but worsens side effects
Ease symptoms

5. Administration Radiation machine
Radioactive material placed inside the body near tumor
Swallowed
Injected into bloodstream

6. Side Effects Similar to chemo, nausea, fatigue, hair loss
Skin problems
Chronic problems
fibrosis
bowel damage
infertility
secondary cancers